A stillness falls, a light wind picks up, carrying from afar the soft tune of a piano, washing over your senses. A melody imbibed with emotions from serenity to ardor and everything in between, inspiring your mind to roam freely. In this simplistic yet deeply layered rhythm, you may find affection, passion, spontaneity, and freedom.

The many facets of jazz music, with its ever-changing yet always pleasant melodies, have earned this unique musical genre popularity around the world. The birthplace of jazz is late nineteenth-century New Orleans, with blues and ragtime acting as the foundation for jazz’s classic yet modern feel. One of the main attractions of jazz is the musicians’ improvised performances, through which every show is a new experience, both for the listener and artist alike. This unique expressive style has had audiences bobbing their heads and tapping their feet for over a century, and to this day continues to be a popular medium for experimentation. Jazz pianist Luo Ning, who is known for his creative contributions to Chinese jazz music as well as his impressive live performances, has been involved in the jazz music scene for many years, and continues to impress audiences with his musical imagination and unique sound. On this compilation he has included songs from many different styles, showing his broad perspective on the world, viewing the leisurely yet somewhat melancholy tune of jazz from several perspectives. Mr. Luo has invited renowned jazz artists from all over the world to be a part of this international musical journey, looking at classic songs in a new light, reinventing their sounds and even their messages. Through improvised performances, the artists communicate musically, and bring to the genre elements which have never been seen before, such as Chinese classical and ethnic styles, but at the same time the songs have a sort of loneliness and desolation at their hearts. The passion of Latin music, filling our blood with energy and vigor, takes us to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, and the bustling streets of New York; classic jazz tunes are re-envisioned, pumping them full of new emotions; these songs which originated on streets and in homes, have touched the hearts of listeners for decades, and continue to do so to this day; through creation and reinvention, amalgamation and innovation, this compilation seeks to speak to urban audiences all over the world. The infinite charm of jazz creates a dream-like world that spans across time and space. Every line of the lyrics is full of soul, the singer often following his or her emotions and improvising on the spot. Every bar of melody is full of heart, of warmth, which brings passion along to the swinging beat. The sounds and words are distant, bold, unbridled, and intoxicating.

       So just sit back, enjoy the endlessly changing rhythms, and let the words of the musicians take you back in time, and all around the world. This compilation draws on inspiration from various musical styles, and when listening, you’ll find that the rich and bold tunes are filled with more than simply the original charisma of jazz.

    This compilation is a collaboration among outstanding Chinese musicians, whose aim here is to add an eastern touch to jazz music, a distinctively western genre of music, infusing jazz with a new level of affection and rhythmic appeal. Cui Jian, known as the “Father of Chinese rock”, as well as many Chinese jazz musicians, all had a hand in the conception and recording of the compilation. A host of jazz artists from around the globe joined as well, creating a team full passion and curiosity, who enjoyed every moment of this international musical exploration.

    The Steinway & Sons piano used in the recordings was the leader of the musical assembly.the project was guided by producer Ye Yunchuan, known for his innovation and dedication to quality; recordings were performed by sound engineer Zhang Xiao’an, who is meticulous yet passionate; and at the helm of post-production was Stockfisch Records of Germany, bringing their own perspective to the recording sessions. The sweet melody fills the air, and your heart can’t help but move along with the beat. Whatever you had on your mind, just forget it and follow the rhythm of the music, as it fills you with new memories, all to a soft and soothing beat, one unimaginable dreamscape after another. This is a place separate from the hustle and bustle of the world, where the heart can truly be at peace.